Whatever Pictures Unveils New Series Partnerships Ahead of MIPCOM

Whatever Pictures' New Ventures at MIPCOM

As MIPCOM approaches, Whatever Pictures is making waves with a fresh co-production deal alongside Norway’s Rein Film for their upcoming scripted crime series, Silent Herd (6×50’). This new series delves into a murder mystery set amongst the indigenous Sami population in Norway and Finland. This setting is significant, as it not only highlights a unique cultural perspective but also opens the door to exploring themes of identity, tradition, and modernity—issues that resonate far beyond the borders of Scandinavia.

A Closer Look at Silent Herd

Silent Herd follows a troubled investigator returning to their childhood village, grappling with past trauma amid a series of suspicious deaths. Narratives like this often hinge on the protagonist's inner turmoil, and here, it promises to intertwine a gripping murder mystery with personal introspection. The story reveals deep-seated conflicts within a powerful reindeer-herding family, thus serving as a catalyst for broader societal commentary. The Sami culture, often overshadowed in mainstream narratives, is now thrust into the limelight, offering audiences a fresh perspective on community dynamics and the impact of historical changes on indigenous lives.

Written by Jens Martin Mienna, Jörgen Hjerdt, and Aleksi Puranen, production is currently exploring broadcasters for potential distribution. This endeavor stands out as a chance not just for audience engagement but also for shedding light on issues frequently overlooked in conventional crime dramas. The casting and cinematography will be crucial; they need to authentically represent both the stunning Scandinavian landscapes and the intricate cultural nuances of the Sami people. Authenticity in storytelling can often dictate a project’s success or failure, especially for those trying to break into international markets.

Combining Humor and Rural Dynamics in Crème de la Crème

Complementing this, Whatever Pictures is unveiling Crème de la Crème, an eight-part comedy-drama highlighting the life of Joonas, a young farmer battling the decline of his childhood dairy farm. Depicting economic strife, Joonas and his friends pivot to starting a unique venture—a sperm bank, initially seen as a side hustle, which unexpectedly gains traction and attracts attention. This choice is both ironic and insightful, touching on the innovative spirit often found in rural communities where tradition meets necessity. It reflects a new direction for the company that merges quirky stories with market viability.

Produced by Antti Kaarlela and Jukka Vidgrén, Crème de la Crème boasts a strong creative team including directors and writers such as Topi Koljonen, Henna Rinnekangas, Juuso Laatio, and Anna Heinämaa. As their ambitions rise amid increasing success, the narrative explores the inherent risks and dynamics of their unusual business endeavor—a premise that pulls from the rich tapestry of Finnish rural life. It’s a slice-of-life story, but infused with a contemporary twist that aims to resonate with both local and international audiences alike.

Diverse Offerings and Global Appeal

Among its various offerings for MIPCOM, Whatever Pictures also highlights Three Fires, a poignant border thriller set in North Karelia, and Ice House, a high-stakes international assassin thriller co-written by Marteinn Thorisson and Aleksi Puranen. This diverse lineup showcases the company’s commitment to producing stories that not only entertain but also challenge viewers’ perspectives. The selection indicates a strategy aimed at meeting the divergent tastes of global audiences while staying true to local narratives that offer authenticity and richness.

Anticipation for Global Reach

Antti Kaarlela, CEO of Whatever Pictures, expressed enthusiasm for promoting their unique projects at MIPCOM, emphasizing the strong themes and compelling characters that resonate in both local and international markets. "We’re proud to collaborate with ORF-Enterprise for Crème de la Crème, and Rein Film on Silent Herd. These narratives are poised to captivate audiences and embody the type of content we aim to share with the world," Kaarlela stated. His confidence reflects a growing belief in the potential of niche storytelling to break through in a crowded content marketplace.

Armin Luttenberger, Head of Content Sales International at ORF-Enterprise, underscored the appeal of Crème de la Crème, saying, "The originality and confidence of this series make it a standout in the international market. It’s contemporary yet deeply rooted in Finnish culture, making it accessible to a broader audience." Statements like these illustrate the increasing interest in content that straddles cultural lines while remaining entertaining and relatable. (And this is the part most people overlook—authenticity can be the ticket to global appreciation.)

Looking Ahead: Implications and Significance

With its ambitious slate of original content, Whatever Pictures demonstrates a clear vision for engaging storytelling that resonates across cultures. This strategy might reflect a larger trend in the industry—formats that blend local narratives with universal themes are increasingly vital for attracting both audiences and investors. If you're working in this space, understanding this balance could be key to crafting future projects. As audiences grow more discerning, companies like Whatever Pictures are well-positioned to fill a gap in the market that seeks innovation rooted in cultural integrity.

The projects showcased at MIPCOM indicate a shift towards diversity in narrative styles and themes, showcasing the flexibility of storytelling in a global context. This blend of local traditions with broader themes could very well assure a competitive edge in an industry characterized by rapid change and high expectations.